Competitor numbers, talent, and the temperatures were all high last Saturday in Leeds, Alabama. The field of 47 had eight former finalists and quite a few others who have missed out on the Finals by just a few points in past Regionals. Rough and tumble, boys and girls, but a lot of fun to watch it play out.

Donald Bishop of Mills River, NC, was one that has been close in his two previous attempts to advance. Donald finished second in Archery, Air Rifle, and Skills to leave no doubt that he was going to Dogwood in 2011. A twelfth in Bait Casting gave him a total score of eighteen and the win.

The Wildcard selection for 2009, David Smith of Roswell, GA, has fought his way out of the Regionals in 2010, and now again in 2011. A win in Skills, second in Bait Casting, and fifth in Air Rifle gave David enough room to survive a struggle in Archery. His total of thirty-seven was good enough for second place overall and a third trip in a row to the Finals.

Another returning former finalist, Jay Moore, of Millbrook, NY, earned the third and final slot to the Canyon. Moore had an accident before the 2009 Finals that caused him to miss the competition. Jay has waited for his chance at getting back to Dogwood and is motivated to work his tail off at getting the first crown for those North of the Mason-Dixon.

All three of these guys will contend in the Finals and it may be the best top three we have pulled from any Regional.

For the complete list of results, click here.